“No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
While a number of Bible translations use the word “require,” following this verse’s instructions perfectly is not a requirement for salvation. God has grace for us even though we are not perfectly obedient (Eph 2:8-9). Some translations instead use the word “desire” in Micah 6:8. God gives us the gift of salvation by grace. This verse simply describes what God wants from us in return: to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
To “walk humbly with God” is the basis for loving mercy, grace, and doing justice. Because of what God has done, we fully invest in healing the world around us through mercy, grace and justice. Cultivating our walk with God provides the power and passion for us to fully engage—it grounds everything else we do.
The “walk” metaphor is used often in Scripture to describe the overall direction one’s life is heading. In Deuteronomy, there are a number of references to walking in the way of the Lord, several Psalms refer to a walk being blameless, and 1 John encourages us to walk in the light. This poetic picture envisions a comfortable relationship of presence with God and a life that fits into that path (God’s will, plan, and purpose).
The adverb “humbly” moves us away from arrogance and the egocentric need to always be better than others, to the simple acceptance of the gifts that God has placed within us. The hymn “Trust and Obey” might come to mind: “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.” James 4:8 reminds us that when we draw near to God, He will also draw near to us.
Simply put, “walking with God” means that we can humbly speak or connect with God at anytime, anywhere, while we are doing anything!
4GIVEN 